My Genealogy Hound

HIRAM A. EDWARDS, the efficient ex-Supervisor of Niles Township, Berrien County, Mich., is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and was born May 30th, 1836. His parents were John W. and Annie (Brigham) Edwards. The father was a native of the Empire State, his family being well known in that portion of the country. The maternal grandparents were of New England origin, and the mother of our subject was born in Connecticut. Hiram A., one brother and three sisters comprise the remaining sons and daughters who once gathered in the old homo. Our subject was reared and educated in the State of New York and well improved the opportunities for study in the district school of the neighborhood. He also enjoyed a term of instruction in the Union Academy in Belleville, N. Y., and taught for two winters in his native State, afterward having charge of a school in Henry County, Ill. He was married before attaining his majority, and early assumed the responsibilities common to mature years.

September 17, 1856, our subject was wedded to Angeline Dickey, daughter of Joseph F. and Eliza Dickey, both of whom were born in the State of New York. Of the nine children who blessed the marriage of Mr. Edwards and his estimable wife, seven yet survive. William F., the eldest, a man of superior ability and fine attainments, is Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Ann Arbor, Mich., from which institution of learning he graduated with honor. Frederick B. is the second son; then follow, in order of birth, Elmer E., Alice M., Kate H., Stella H. and Mary E. Two children are deceased. In the late fall succeeding his marriage our subject and his newly-made wife journeyed to the West and settled at first in the State of Illinois, where they remained, however, only a few years. In 1859 Mr. and Mrs. Edwards removed to Berrien County, Mich., and in 1860 located on their present farm. Our subject owns one hundred and ten acres of excellent land under a high state of cultivation. Trained to agricultural duties from his childhood, he has achieved success in the culture of the soil. Essentially a self-made man, he has well improved every advantage of life which lay within his grasp, and was, as an instructor, highly regarded by all who studied under his care. He is in political affiliation a Democrat and has occupied with honor and fidelity several official positions of trust. For four successive terms he served as Supervisor of Niles Township, and was an ardent advocate of local progress and improvement. For four terms he most acceptably discharged the duties of Township Treasurer. Mr. Edwards is a popular man, well and highly esteemed as a friend and citizen. Fraternally, he is a member of St. Joseph Valley Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and for several years was Master of the lodge. His work and influence, beneficially exerted in behalf of the best interests of Berrien County, have won him the lasting regard of the entire community by whom he is surrounded, and with whom he has sustained the most pleasant relations for over thirty years.